KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Despite some opposition, the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly voted four to one last night to extend the dates during which fireworks can be legally purchased and used on the island. This is in response to the state fire marshall’s ban on the sale and use of fireworks around much of Alaska due to hot, dry weather, and the dozens of wildfires already burning around the state. That ban began on June 27 and is still in effect.
According to borough code, fireworks can only be discharged between June 15 and July 15, and for about a week around New Year’s. The Assembly vote last night allows for a two week period after the ban is lifted during which time Kodiak residents can enjoy some pyrotechnics.
Fireworks in and around residential areas is a hotly contested issue for Kodiak residents who argue that it’s a disturbance to people and animals. Local resident Joanne Shaker argued during public comments that even a temporary modification to borough code could set a dangerous precedent. “The extension would be nothing more than a handout to the fireworks stand,” she said, “which does not benefit the borough in any way, shape, or form.”
Les Seaton, co-owner of Les & Dan’s Fireworks countered that his request to extend the time period doesn’t come at a cost to the borough, and that it’s simply a trade-off for the time his company had to sit out due to the burn ban. He also emphasized that they always encourage customers to be considerate when launching fireworks. “I encourage people to take it away from town, get it out the road. Get it some place where you don’t bother people,” he said, adding, “I don’t think you could start it with napalm out there, it’s as green as we ever get.”
Multiple Assembly members expressed empathy for Shaker’s concern that fireworks are a disturbance to the community, particularly in the areas surrounding Mill Bay Beach, a popular spot for launching them. Even so, most seemed to view it as a fair trade-off to the burn ban’s moratorium on fireworks.
“I totally understand,” said Assemblymember Dennis Symmons. “I’ve lived next door to Mill Bay Beach for 23 years. I get it. I get how big of a nuisance it is, especially when the sun doesn’t go down till midnight.” But, he said, he’d also received “overwhelming phone calls” from people in favor of the extension. “I’ve had overwhelming pro [opinions] to allow this to happen when the ban is lifted,” he said.
Assemblymembers Rebecca Skinner and Scott Arndt, who both voted yes on the measure, said that they could support a resolution in the future to ban fireworks specifically at Mill Bay Beach, while designating another fire-safe location where they would be allowed instead.
Ultimately, Symmons, Skinner, Arndt, and Assemblymember Scott Smiley voted “yes.” Assemblymembers Julie Kavanaugh and Andrew Schroeder were absent. The one “no” vote came from Assemblymember James Turner. Speaking after the meeting, he said he didn’t think it was necessary to extend the fireworks use period. Unlike Symmons, Turner said he received 14 calls in opposition of the extension, mainly from people who didn’t want the disturbance. He added he had received no calls in support.
Fireworks suspension areas are being reevaluated daily, according to a July 5 memo from the Department of Natural Resources. Kodiak could potentially receive rain this weekend, according to the National Weather Service, but the community will have to wait on the State Fire Marshall’s office for any changes to the ban.
